Luke Chapter 15 — The Parables of the Lost
Jesus tells three parables about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son to illustrate the joy in heaven when a sinner repents.
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Notable Verses
Luke 15:7
“I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.”
This verse establishes the central lesson of the first two parables regarding heaven's response to repentance.
Luke 15:20
“He arose and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion, and ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.”
This verse highlights the father's proactive love and immediate forgiveness toward his returning son.
Luke 15:32
“But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.”
The final verse of the chapter summarizes the necessity of celebrating restoration and redemption.
Chapter Summary
Luke Chapter 15 begins with tax collectors and sinners gathering to hear Jesus, prompting criticism from the Pharisees and scribes who object to Him eating with such people. In response, Jesus delivers three distinct parables centered on the theme of lost things being found. The first describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to find one that is lost, rejoicing when it is recovered. The second tells of a woman who diligently searches her home for a single lost coin and celebrates with neighbors upon finding it. The third and longest parable, the Parable of the Lost Son, recounts a young man who squanders his inheritance and returns home in shame. Rather than rejecting him, his father welcomes him with compassion and a feast. The chapter concludes with the father's dialogue with his elder son, who is resentful of the celebration. The father explains that it was appropriate to be glad because the brother who was 'dead' is now 'alive again,' emphasizing the value of reconciliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jesus told these stories in response to the Pharisees and scribes who were complaining that He welcomed and ate with sinners. He used the parables to explain God's perspective on reaching out to those who are lost and the joy that results from their return.
In the parable, the coin represents something of value that has been misplaced. Its recovery illustrates the diligent search God undertakes for every person and the communal joy experienced in heaven when one person repents.
The father reacts with immediate compassion, running to meet his son while he is still far off. Instead of punishing him, the father embraces him, provides him with a robe, ring, and sandals, and orders a great feast to celebrate his return.
The elder brother's anger represents the attitude of the Pharisees who criticized Jesus. It highlights a struggle with self-righteousness and a failure to understand the father's heart for the restoration of a family member who was lost.
Study Note
The 'drachma' mentioned in verse 8 was a Greek silver coin roughly equivalent in value to a Roman denarius, representing about a full day's wage for a laborer.
Related Chapters
Matthew 18
Matthew's account of the Parable of the Lost Sheep focuses on God's care for 'the little ones'.
Ezekiel 34
The image of God as a shepherd searching for lost sheep is rooted in this Old Testament prophecy.
Psalm 23
This classic psalm explores the theme of God as a protective shepherd who restores the soul.
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